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This settlement is closed!
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Those who experienced surprising billing after receiving care at an Arizona hospital may be able to take part in a class action settlement with Envision Healthcare, EmCare and Anesthesia Physicians of Arizona.
Individuals who may be able to have their debt forgiven or bill refunded include those who went to an Arizona hospital that was in their insurance network, but who were billed for services provided by an anesthesiologist that was out of their insurance network.
Lead plaintiff Sheila Kline filed a class action lawsuit against Envision Healthcare Corporation, EmCare Inc. and Anesthesia Physicians of Arizona P.C. after she says she received a “surprise bill” for care she received at a hospital purportedly in her insurance network.
Surprise billing refers to the practice of hitting patients with a bill for out-of-network services when they receive care at an in-network healthcare facility.
“‘Surprise bills’ can be financially disastrous for consumers who thought they had nothing to worry about since they had procured health insurance, paid their premiums, and made sure to go to an in-network facility for treatment,” the complaint contended.
The class action lawsuit accused Envision Healthcare and the other defendants of charging unsuspecting patients exorbitant rates for care provided by an out-of-network anesthesiologist.
The plaintiff claimed she had been hit with a bill for more than $4,000 after undergoing surgery to have her gallbladder removed at an in-network hospital. She claims the bill was ten times greater than the amount her insurance would have covered. Further, the complaint pointed out, the bill was vastly higher than the typical cost of such a service in the area.
The class action lawsuit alleged hospitals that outsourced their billing to Envision Healthcare saw their out-of-network billing rates skyrocket by 70%. The plaintiff says Envision Healthcare and EmCare have been shown to drastically increase bills for patients by failing to provide information to them, then slapping them with surprise bills for out-of-network physicians at in-network hospitals.
Envision Healthcare and the other defendants refused to admit any wrongdoing, but agreed to discharge the debt and refund the bills of Class Members under the terms of a class action settlement.
Class Members may submit claims for refunds or write-offs.
Write-offs will be awarded to Class Members who are being billed by the defendants or a debt collection agency for a surprise bill. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the defendants will write off the balance between the billed charge and the charges allowed under the Class Member’s health insurance policy.
For Class Members who were sent to collections over an unpaid surprise medical bill from the defendants, the defendants have agreed to either provide a refund or write off the debt.
Refunds will be awarded to Class Members who paid surprise bills issued by the defendants. The total refund will be the difference between the charge for the service allowed by the Class Member’s health insurance and the amount billed by the defendants.
In addition, the defendants have agreed to ask hospitals they work with to post disclosures about the facility’s use of out-of-network physicians.
To make a claim, Class Members must submit a Claim Form along with supporting documentation. Supporting documentation must include an explanation of benefits regarding the claim and proof of any payments made, including whether the Class Member or their insurance company paid the allowable charge.
The deadline for Class Members to object to or opt out of the settlement has passed.
Claim Forms, along with supporting documents, must be mailed and must be postmarked by April 16, 2021. The final approval hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2021.
Who’s Eligible
Individuals who who went to an Arizona hospital that was in their insurance network, but who were billed for services provided by an anesthesiologist that was out of their insurance network between April 15, 2017, and July 27, 2020.
Potential Award
Varies.
- Class Members who paid the bill will be refunded the difference between the charge allowed under their health insurance and what they were billed.
- Class Members who have not paid the bill will have the difference between the charge allowed under their health insurance and the amount billed by defendants written off.
Proof of Purchase
Supporting documentation must include an explanation of benefits regarding the claim and proof of any payments made, including if the Class Member or their insurance company paid the allowable charge.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
04/16/2021
Case Name
Kline v. Envision Healthcare Corp., et al., Case No. CV2019-003061, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County
Final Hearing
01/29/2021
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Kline v. Envision Healthcare Corp – 7057
PO BOX 44
Minneapolis MN 55440-0044
info@AZanesthesiasettlement.com
(866) 216-0281
Class Counsel
WOLF POPPER LLP
BONNETT FAIRBOURN FRIEDMAN & BALINT PC
Defense Counsel
SACKS TIERNEY PA
EPSTEIN BECKER & GREEN PC
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